Circumstances Alter Cases, by Bairnsfather
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Circumstances Alter Cases, by Bairnsfather
Circumstances Alter Cases Showing the value of locality in warfare A cartoon in The Bystander by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather illustrating the difference the location and context can make to an action. In the top cartoon an officer in a restaurant shoots a German waiter in an outburst of patriotic vigour. This, suggests Bairnsfather, ...would undoubtedly get the military very cross. In the lower cartoon, the same officer shoots the same German, but from a trench. In such a situation, says Bairnsfather, ...you can do what you like, with a reasonable chance of getting the Military Cross. Date: 1918
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Media ID 14171852
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Alter Bairnsfather Bruce Bystander Cases Circumstances Restaurant Shooting
EDITORS COMMENTS
Circumstances Alter Cases: A Striking Illustration of the Impact of Locality in Warfare by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather in The Bystander (1918) In this thought-provoking cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, published in The Bystander in 1918 during World War I, the artist masterfully highlights the significant role that location and context play in shaping the outcome of actions on the battlefield. The two cartoons contrast starkly, showcasing the same officer in two distinct situations. In the top cartoon, an officer, consumed by patriotic fervor, shoots a German waiter in a restaurant. This impulsive act, Bairnsfather suggests, would undoubtedly draw the ire of the military. The officer's actions, taken out of the context of the battlefield, are perceived as reckless and unwarranted. In the lower cartoon, the same officer is shown in a trench, this time shooting a German soldier. The circumstances have drastically altered, and the officer's actions are now justified. In the heat of battle, soldiers are often forced to make split-second decisions, and their actions, while potentially controversial in other contexts, can lead to heroism and survival. Bairnsfather's poignant observation sheds light on the complexities of warfare and the importance of understanding the context in which actions take place. This powerful cartoon continues to resonate with audiences today, serving as a reminder of the profound impact of circumstances on our actions and their consequences.
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